Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The Aphrodite Affirmation

When I turned 50 some years back, I considered how to handle my own aging process. Be afraid of the changes transporting me to my end-time or embrace those changes and accept myself as is?I decided creative self-acceptance would be the best thing and came up with an annual celebration to remind myself of this. No matter my appearance or age, as long as I do my best in this world, then I am a beautiful worthwhile woman.

Source: Section of "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli,: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

This summer my friend Donna and her husband are joining us on our vacation. Donna and I plan to do the Aphrodite Affirmation by the lake which simply involves saying good things about ourselves, without any apologies. Aphrodite represents love and beauty—loving self-approval is our goal.

I made costumes for us over the weekend just for fun (Butterick 4572). My neighbor volunteered her daughter to model one of the costumes—I’ve cropped the photo to protect her privacy.

The cape buttons to one shoulder with a gold upholstery button. I used ribbon with a Greek key design for the trim detail and belt. We’ll wear a gold headband around our foreheads instead of on top of our heads. Gold flip-flops complete the outfit.

The costumes were enjoyable projects but are merely stage props. The real acceptance of self-worth originates inside us at our core.